

5/9/25 Joseph Solis-Mullen on What’s Happening Between India and Pakistan
10 snips May 11, 2025
Joseph Solis-Mullen, a political scientist and economist at The Libertarian Institute, dives into the escalating violence between India and Pakistan, particularly over Kashmir. He contextualizes the historical rivalry and the recent militant attacks that have reignited tensions. The conversation expands to touch on the role of key players like the U.S. and insights into nuclear capabilities in the region. Solis-Mullen also addresses the need for a diplomatic approach to mitigate these ongoing conflicts and the broader implications for global geopolitics.
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Origins of Kashmir Conflict
- Kashmir's conflict originated after British India split in 1947 with a Hindu ruler and a Muslim-majority population.
- The region has been contested with wars and insurgency fueled by Pakistan-backed militants and Indian military response.
Rise of Islamist Insurgency in Kashmir
- The Kashmir insurgency shifted from secular to Islamist militants in the late 1980s due to political fraud and outside influence.
- Pakistan's ISI supported these militants, escalating violence and harsh Indian military crackdowns.
Complex Identity and Nationalism
- Modern nation-states are a recent construct that complicates South Asia's complex ethno-religious identities.
- Nationalist elites often exploit ethnic and religious divides for power, as seen in Kashmir and other conflicts.